Colourful world on her doorstep – Barnsbury artist Melissa Scott-Miller shows off 100 works for the first time

Published: 29 October, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

FOR 20 years, artist Melissa Scott-Miller has only needed to step out of her front door to capture the almost old world atmosphere of her beloved Barnsbury.

Now, for the first time, an exhibition of more than 100 of her works depicting the area is being planned for next year.

Barnsbury is famous for its tree-lined streets and ornate Georgian properties, as well as residents like former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who lived in Richmond Crescent, and composer Benjamin Britten, who lived in Offord Road.

Melissa, a member of the Royal Society of Painters, is well-known for her colourful views of the area and beyond, which include Thornhill School, the King’s Head in Upper Street, and various canal and street scenes. She is also the winner of the prestigious Lynn Painter-Stainers prize, beating 800 artists, for a painting of Thornhill Primary School which she called “Islington Kids”.

“The exhibition is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” she said. “I’ve a huge portfolio of paintings of Barnsbury. The area is not just where I live but also provides my material. I was artist in residence at Thornhill School, which my children attended for many years. Many of my paintings have been sold but in some cases the owners will put them on loan for the exhibition. Otherwise I’ve got good prints.”

She’s hoping that the Islington Museum at Finsbury will provide exhibition space but will be negotiating with a number of other venues.

Meanwhile, Melissa is exhibiting new Islington paintings at the New English Art Club annual event at the Mall Galleries in Piccadilly from November 25.